Sociology (MA)

Master of Arts (MA)

Why pursue a Master's in Sociology?

Design and conduct a study that addresses a pressing contemporary social problem. Develop a deeper understand of various cultural and cross-cultural practices and differences that impact individuals on personal, local and global levels.

The MA in Sociology provides a critical and politically engaged research setting where you will develop advanced training in a wide variety of sociological methods and theories. Course materials and resources enable students to skillfully explore traditional topics in sociology, while also offering opportunities to consider new and emerging areas of social inquiry.

Program Details

Students enrolled in option A are required to demonstrate their ability to carry out independent research. A thesis proposal serves as the basis for the elaboration of the written thesis.

Option B is a year-long program that asks students to write a research essay under the supervision of a faculty member. Essays are evaluated by two faculty members, including the supervisor, and can be either a literature review or a report on empirical research.

Requirements for the Degree

Credits. A fully-qualified candidate is required to complete a minimum of 45 credits. Additional courses may be taken from outside the program, subject to the advice and approval of the student’s supervisor or the Graduate Program Director.

Supervision. At the beginning of the first term of full-time or part-time study, the student is assigned an interim advisor for the duration of the first term. At the beginning of the second term in the case of full-time study, or the equivalent in terms of part-time study, the student must select a permanent thesis supervisor and a second faculty member to serve on the Thesis Committee. Members of the Thesis Committee evaluate the thesis. The thesis will be examined by an Examining Committee, composed of the thesis supervisor and the second committee member, and a third faculty member chosen in consultation with the Graduate Program Director. The responsibility for the composition of the Thesis Committee rests with the student in consultation with and subject to the approval of the Graduate Program Director.

Language Requirement. A working knowledge of English and French is recommended although written work may be submitted in either language.

Admission Requirements. An undergraduate degree with honours or specialization in sociology, with a grade point average of 3.00 (B average) is required. An undergraduate degree with a major in sociology, with a grade point average of 3.00 (B average) will also be considered provided that the background preparation is acceptable. Applicants with degrees in cognate disciplines with higher grade point averages will also be considered.

Applicants who lack certain prerequisite courses may be required to take a qualifying program of up to 12 undergraduate credits in addition to the regular graduate program. For the qualifying program a grade point average of 3.00 (B average) is required.

Applicants with deficiencies in their undergraduate preparation may be required to take up to 24 undergraduate independent credits.

Applications to the program must be accompanied by a preliminary statement (roughly 500 words in length) of the student’s intentions regarding research and thesis.

Proficiency in English. Applicants whose primary language is not English must demonstrate that their knowledge of English is sufficient to pursue graduate studies in their chosen field. Please refer to the Graduate Admission page for further information on the Language Proficiency requirements and exemptions.

A short presentation of relevant debates and theories with which your work will engage,

The name of a potential supervisor whose research area is compatible with your interests with whom you would like to work. It is recommended that contact be made with a potential supervisor prior to submitting an application.

*January 15 is the deadline for applicants who wish to be considered for funding. Applicants who do not require funding must submit applications by April 1. It is recommended that International students apply by March 15th to allow adequate time to obtain study permits.

Faculty members are involved with research initiatives at the local, national and international levels. As world experts in a variety of emerging and established fields, their findings are well represented in a number of recent publications.

SAGSA also hosts an annual interdisciplinary student conference in March. Previous editions have seen students from across Quebec and Canada present their research and foster dialogue across disciplines. Keynote speakers from past conferences have included Dr. Ram Jahku, Dr. Charmaine A. Nelson, and Dr. Alexandrine Boudreault-Fournier.

The Disestablishmentarian is a bi-annual peer-reviewed publication administered under the editorial direction of graduate students in the Department of Sociology & Anthropology. The journal is strongly interdisciplinary and intended for emerging scholars of social and cultural analysis.

Our alumni are highly sought after by colleges, community organizations, federal funding agencies, non-profit organizations, government agencies, social networking companies, think tanks and universities. Recent graduates are working as academic directors, consultants, educators, instructors, professors, research associates and research coordinators.

Examples of organizations and institutions our alumni are currently working for include:

Brock University

Canadian House of Wisdom

Canadian Institutes of Health Research

Douglas College

Facebook

Marianopolis College

McGill University

Ontario Pharmacy Evidence Network

Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons

Sexpressions

Statistics Canada

University of Prince Edward Island

University of Waterloo

Many graduates also choose to continue their studies at the Doctoral level and have become faculty members in sister universities.